Book

The Oxford Handbook of Derivational Morphology

by Rochelle Lieber, Pavol Štekauer

📖 Overview

The Oxford Handbook of Derivational Morphology presents a comprehensive examination of word formation processes across languages. The volume brings together research from leading scholars in the field of morphology. The handbook covers theoretical frameworks, methodological approaches, and empirical findings related to derivational processes. It includes analyses of derivation in both well-studied and lesser-known languages, providing cross-linguistic perspectives on word formation patterns. This scholarly work serves as both a reference guide and a snapshot of current research in derivational morphology. Contributors address topics such as productivity, semantic change, and the interaction between derivation and other linguistic phenomena. The volume reflects the complexity and diversity of derivational processes in human language, while highlighting the systematic nature of word formation across different linguistic families and traditions.

👀 Reviews

Linguistics students and researchers cite this handbook as a key technical reference on derivational morphology. Readers appreciate: - Comprehensive coverage of topics like affixation, compound formation - Current research discussions and theoretical frameworks - Cross-linguistic examples from diverse language families Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style that can be challenging to follow - High price point limits accessibility - Some sections assume extensive background knowledge Limited review data available online: Goodreads: No ratings or reviews Amazon: 5/5 (2 reviews) - "Thorough treatment of word-formation processes" - Graduate student reviewer - "Excellent reference but expensive" - University professor The handbook appears primarily used in advanced linguistics courses and research settings rather than by general readers, which explains the scarcity of public reviews. Most discussion occurs in academic journals and course syllabi rather than consumer review sites.

📚 Similar books

The Cambridge Handbook of Morphology by Andrew Hippisley, Gregory Stump This comprehensive reference work presents current theoretical frameworks and empirical findings in morphological research across languages.

Understanding Morphology by Martin Haspelmath The text explores the principles of word formation and inflection through cross-linguistic data and theoretical analysis.

Word-Formation: An International Handbook of the Languages of Europe by Peter O. Müller, Ingeborg Ohnheiser, Susan Olsen, and Franz Rainer This volume provides systematic coverage of word-formation patterns in European languages with detailed linguistic examples and theoretical frameworks.

Morphological Theory: An Introduction to Word Structure in Generative Grammar by Andrew Spencer The book examines the interaction between morphology and other linguistic components through the lens of generative grammar.

The Oxford Reference Guide to English Morphology by Laurie Bauer, Rochelle Lieber, Ingo Plag This reference work catalogs English word-formation processes with extensive examples and historical development patterns.

🤔 Interesting facts

🔖 The book extensively covers over 40 languages, making it one of the most comprehensive resources on derivational morphology across different language families. 🎓 Co-author Pavol Štekauer developed the onomasiological theory of word-formation, which focuses on how naming needs drive the creation of new words. 📚 The handbook introduces groundbreaking research on sign language morphology, showing how derivational processes work in visual-spatial languages. 🌍 The work challenges traditional Western-centric approaches by including detailed analyses of derivational patterns in lesser-studied languages like Tagalog and Maori. ⚡ The book reveals how modern technology and social media are influencing new word formation patterns, particularly in the creation of blends and compounds across languages.